In 2025, Stephen King fans have much to look forward to as a series of new adaptations hit the screens, starting with “The Monkey.” Osgood Perkins directed this adaptation, which premiered in theaters on February 21, based on King’s short story of the same name. This time, however, Perkins transformed the story into a black comedy. Following its successful box office run, NEON confirmed “The Monkey” is available on digital, with physical formats like 4K Ultra HD/Blu-Ray Combo, Blu-Ray, and DVD releasing on June 24.
Lionsgate announced that a fourth Stephen King adaptation is also set to arrive in theaters in 2025, further adding to the excitement of King enthusiasts worldwide. “The Monkey” features an intriguing plot revolving around twin brothers who discover a mysterious wind-up monkey. A series of bizarre deaths follows, tearing their family apart. Fast forward twenty-five years, the monkey triggers a new killing spree, forcing the estranged siblings to tackle the legacy of the cursed toy.
The film stars Theo James in the dual role of twins Hal and Bill, alongside Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, Sarah Levy, Adam Scott, and Elijah Wood. Produced by James Wan, known for hits like “The Conjuring” and “Saw,” the movie marks the second collaboration between NEON and Perkins, following the successful “Longlegs” in 2023.
“The Monkey” opened to enthusiastic reviews and holds a Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics giving it a 79% rating. Although the audience rated it at 57% on the Popcornmeter, suggesting a mixed reception, the digital and later streaming releases might alter public perception. The movie was a financial triumph, grossing $63.4 million worldwide against a modest $11 million budget, ranking as NEON’s third highest-grossing horror film.
Stephen King expressed delight with the film’s transformation of his story into a dark comedy. “Oz [Perkins] is right when he says that the deaths are like Wile E. Coyote,” King noted about the changes. “Man, there are a couple of things in this movie that just made me howl. I mean, I just sort of hate myself for howling, but I howled nonetheless.”
Apart from “The Monkey,” more Stephen King adaptations are slated for this year. Mike Flanagan, frequently collaborating with King, is set to release his much-anticipated adaptation “The Life of Chuck” on June 6. Other titles like “The Long Walk” and “The Running Man” are scheduled for September 12 and November 7, respectively. An “IT” prequel series, “IT: Welcome to Derry,” is expected on Max, alongside “The Institute,” an MGM+ streaming series, though release dates remain unconfirmed.
Stephen King continues to be a prolific author whose works translate seamlessly into compelling screen adaptations, resonating with audiences. The rollout of these 2025 adaptations illustrates the enduring appeal and adaptability of King’s storytelling, promising an exciting year for horror and thriller genre enthusiasts.
